For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
